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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet Use Policy

Why This Matters

In the field of web development, using tools like AI and search engines is both common and expected. This course encourages responsible use of such tools to support your learning, not to replace it. The goal is to help you become a thoughtful, independent developer who can evaluate and build on information critically and ethically.

We encourage curiosity and the exploration of tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and search engines. However, there are good reasons why we ask you to limit AI use, especially early in your learning journey.

  • You’re still building mental models. Struggling to write and debug your own code helps you learn how HTML and CSS work. Skipping that struggle by copying AI-generated code prevents deep understanding.
  • AI often gets things wrong. ChatGPT and other AI tools can produce broken or inaccurate code, especially for beginners. Without experience, it's hard to spot these mistakes.
  • You’re responsible for what you submit. If you use AI to generate content, you're still responsible for any errors or plagiarism. AI doesn't remove accountability.
  • Copying ≠ Learning. If you copy and paste code you don’t understand, you won’t be able to troubleshoot, adapt, or explain it later. • Foundations come first.: Before relying on tools like AI, you need a solid foundation. That way, you'll know when and how to use them effectively—and ethically.

What to Know About AI Tools

AI tools can be useful, but they also have serious limitations:

  • AI-generated content can contain factual errors, made-up citations, or flawed code.
  • These tools often sound confident—even when they’re wrong.
  • You are responsible for the accuracy of anything you submit.
  • Always cross-check AI output with credible sources.
  • If you use AI-generated code, make sure it uses only concepts covered in this course.
  • You must be able to explain and justify everything you submit.

AI Use in Assignments

In this course, “assignments” include coding practice, projects, checkpoints, challenges, and any other work submitted for evaluation.

âś… Acceptable Uses

You may use AI tools for:

  • Studying or preparing for checkpoints.
  • Asking for help understanding Java syntax & concepts, data structures, or OOP concepts.
  • Translating or explaining technical terms or ideas.
  • Exploring how AI tools function for personal curiosity or experimentation (outside of assignment work).

đźš« Unacceptable Uses

You may not use AI tools to:

  • Generate and submit code, text, or images as your own.
  • Submit paraphrased or adapted AI content without attribution.
  • Use AI to complete any assignment prompt, then copy/paste or revise the result for submission.
  • Bypass the learning process by outsourcing problem-solving to a tool.

If you’re unsure whether a specific use is allowed, ask your instructor before proceeding.

Documenting AI Use

If you use AI to assist your understanding or as part of your workflow, you must clearly document it in your code or assignment notes.

Your documentation must include:

  • The name of the AI tool or website you used.
  • A brief explanation of how you used it.
  • Any prompts you entered (or links you referenced), if applicable.

Example

// Used ChatGPT to better understand exception handling when writing a file in Java.
// Prompt: “Explain how to handle IOException when writing to a file in Java 
// and provide a simple example using try-catch.”

Academic Integrity Policy at Madison College

Failure to document AI use is a violation of academic integrity policies at Madison College and may result in disciplinary sanctions.

Common Questions

Q: Can I use AI to check my Java for errors?

Yes, but only if you understand the corrections and document your use of the tool. It is recommended to use the console and compiler to see coding errors.

Q: Can I ask AI to write a Java class, method, or test? No. Your project must reflect your own work and include techniques covered in class.

Q: Can I use ChatGPT to explain what a Java interface does? Yes. That kind of conceptual help is allowed—and encouraged.

Q: Can I ask Copilot to auto-complete my code? No. You may not use AI to generate code for assignments.

Final Note

AI policies may vary from one course or instructor to another. Always check what’s allowed before using any AI tool in your academic work. If you’re unsure, ask before you act.